All3Media eyes Gordon Ramsay’s shingle

U.K. giant in talks to buy Optomen, One Potato Two Potato

U.K. production giant All3Media has confirmed that it is in exclusive and advanced negotiations to buy Optomen Television and its joint venture with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, One Potato Two Potato.

Part of the thinking behind the £40 million ($64 million) deal is to beef up activities of both in the U.S.

It would also provide access to All3Media’s international distribution company.

All3Media operates several production companies in the U.S. including Studio Lambert, Lion and Company Pictures, which is making a U.S. version of cult teen show “Skins.”

All3Media, like many of the larger U.K. shingles, is looking to grow its business in the U.S.

The deal for Optomen and One Potato could be concluded this week. No figures have been released for the sale.

Optomen, which has an office in New York, was set up in 2002 and is feted for its food shows including “The Naked Chef” (featuring Jamie Oliver), “Kitchen Nightmares” and “Worst Cooks in America,” both fronted by Ramsay.

One Potato Two Potato, a joint venture between Ramsay and Optomen, runs a Los Angeles-based office and co-produces “Masterchef” with Shine.